Michelle Berthelot Interview
Miss Louisiana USA 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Louisiana USA pageant?
I competed in the Miss Louisiana USA pageant because I wanted to represent my home state at the Miss USA pageant, as well as make a difference in my state throughout my year. I lost my best friend to Leukemia in high school; so I wanted to work with St. Jude Children’s Hospital to help kids on their road to recovery. I had the voice; but I wanted the opportunity of Miss Louisiana to become my microphone.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Louisiana USA?
I had so many thoughts when they called my name and number that I don’t even know where to begin. I think my first thought was, “It’s time for Pizza!!” (LOL!)
I knew right away that I had a wonderful job and opportunity ahead of me; and I knew that I would be representing my home state at Miss USA. Writing many, many thank you notes definitely helped it to sink in (lol); but it was definitely worth it!
What would be your most memorable moment at the Miss USA pageant?
The most memorable moment at Miss USA was when I was standing on stage during the evening gown competition, and I looked up to see “LOUISIANA” spelled out in bright lights. At that moment, I knew that I not only had the support of my family and friends who were there with me; but I also knew I had the support of the entire state ofLouisiana. It was an amazing feeling that definitely gave me goose bumps on stage!
When did you start modelling?
I started modeling at the age of 3 years old. My mom owned and operated an agency in Louisiana; so I have been living and breathing the industry since I was a child. After graduating college, I continued modeling in Los Angelesand New York for various companies such as Michael Antonio, Cutesy Girl, and Surf Illustrated to name a few. I am still coaching in modeling, pageantry, and fitness, as well as staying focused on my acting career.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Louisiana USA?
My most memorable moment at Miss Louisiana USA was walking up to my family, friends, and coach, Brian Applewhite, and saying, “We did it!” I know in the end it was up to me to take home the title; but I also that I would not have been able to do it without the amazing support from these wonderful people in my life.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Louisiana USA?
Well, as cliché as it may sound - all good things come to an end. It was very bitter sweet because, of course, I did not want the year to end, as it still felt like it had just begun. However, I was excited to see what the next chapter had in store form me!
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Louisiana USA ended?
I have been traveling, modeling for various companies, and appearing in various films and television shows. I am still coaching in modeling and pageantry with my business partner, Brian Applewhite (Total Image by brian and michelle); and I am staying focused on my acting career in film and television.
Also, I am now married to the most amazing man and best friend, Dean West; and we are looking forward to starting our family together in the future.
I competed in the Miss Louisiana USA pageant because I wanted to represent my home state at the Miss USA pageant, as well as make a difference in my state throughout my year. I lost my best friend to Leukemia in high school; so I wanted to work with St. Jude Children’s Hospital to help kids on their road to recovery. I had the voice; but I wanted the opportunity of Miss Louisiana to become my microphone.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Louisiana USA?
I had so many thoughts when they called my name and number that I don’t even know where to begin. I think my first thought was, “It’s time for Pizza!!” (LOL!)
I knew right away that I had a wonderful job and opportunity ahead of me; and I knew that I would be representing my home state at Miss USA. Writing many, many thank you notes definitely helped it to sink in (lol); but it was definitely worth it!
What would be your most memorable moment at the Miss USA pageant?
The most memorable moment at Miss USA was when I was standing on stage during the evening gown competition, and I looked up to see “LOUISIANA” spelled out in bright lights. At that moment, I knew that I not only had the support of my family and friends who were there with me; but I also knew I had the support of the entire state ofLouisiana. It was an amazing feeling that definitely gave me goose bumps on stage!
When did you start modelling?
I started modeling at the age of 3 years old. My mom owned and operated an agency in Louisiana; so I have been living and breathing the industry since I was a child. After graduating college, I continued modeling in Los Angelesand New York for various companies such as Michael Antonio, Cutesy Girl, and Surf Illustrated to name a few. I am still coaching in modeling, pageantry, and fitness, as well as staying focused on my acting career.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Louisiana USA?
My most memorable moment at Miss Louisiana USA was walking up to my family, friends, and coach, Brian Applewhite, and saying, “We did it!” I know in the end it was up to me to take home the title; but I also that I would not have been able to do it without the amazing support from these wonderful people in my life.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Louisiana USA?
Well, as cliché as it may sound - all good things come to an end. It was very bitter sweet because, of course, I did not want the year to end, as it still felt like it had just begun. However, I was excited to see what the next chapter had in store form me!
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Louisiana USA ended?
I have been traveling, modeling for various companies, and appearing in various films and television shows. I am still coaching in modeling and pageantry with my business partner, Brian Applewhite (Total Image by brian and michelle); and I am staying focused on my acting career in film and television.
Also, I am now married to the most amazing man and best friend, Dean West; and we are looking forward to starting our family together in the future.